ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): National Book Foundation (NBF), under the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, has published renowned writer and poet Nadeem Akhtar Ghazali’s unique science fiction book for children, “Sonora” (The Magical Universe of the Solar System).
The 206-page informative and engaging book is priced at Rs. 670 and is available at a 50 percent discount at NBF offices, bookshops and outlets established across the country.
“Sonora” offers an engaging blend of scientific knowledge, imagination and adventure for school and college students.
The central character, Sono, has a deep curiosity about the stars and the universe. Driven by this curiosity, he enters the fascinating world of the Solar System through two mysterious characters from the distant fictional planet Flokian-the space girl Setlarin and the space boy Zinoma. The three embark on journeys to different planets aboard a unique capsule-like spacecraft, the Flash Time Modular, equipped with modern scientific devices. They explore hidden secrets of the universe and become part of fascinating adventures.
The book presents information about the Solar System, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, along with various celestial phenomena, in an engaging storytelling style.
The author skillfully combines scientific facts with imagination and adventure, making the pursuit of knowledge an enjoyable experience for young readers. Each journey broadens Sono’s knowledge, curiosity and imagination, introducing readers to the mysteries of the universe.
A prominent feature of the book is its presentation of information about astronomical subjects in the light of reliable scientific sources. It seeks to develop children’s interest in space sciences while fostering research, observation, questioning, critical thinking and scientific awareness. In this way, “Sonora” creates a meaningful blend of knowledge and imagination, reality and adventure, and scientific awareness and literary interest.
The foreword and introductory remarks of the book highlight the importance of children’s literature and appreciate Nadeem Akhtar Ghazali’s literary contribution. Some of the stories included in the book have previously been published in “Hilal for Children” and received appreciation from children as well as their parents. Through a creative presentation of scientific information, the book seeks to open new avenues of thought and imagination for young readers.
The contents of “Sonora” include chapters such as “Our Beloved Solar System,” “In the Courtyard of Uncle Moon,” “The World of Mercury: At the Gateway of the Sun,” “Venus, the Morning Star,” “Earth: Where the Universe Breathes,” “Whispers of the Red Planet Mars,” “The Giant World of Jupiter,” “Lassoing Planet Saturn,” “Uranus, the Great Celestial Giant,” and “Neptune, an Icy Giant,” among others.
According to NBF, the publication of quality, informative and creative literature for children aims to promote a culture of reading, intellectual curiosity and creativity among the younger generation.
“Sonora” is an important contribution to this effort and is expected to help students connect with scientific knowledge as well as the fascinating worlds of space, research and discovery.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
